To cope with the environmental effects of 9 million tonnes of vehicles that reach the
end of their useful lives each year in Europe, the EC have created the End-of-Life Vehicles
(ELVs) Directive. Two of the most radical measures included in the Directive are to provide
free takeback to last owners and to achieve targeted levels for the recycling and recovery of
material by set dates. This paper aims to provide a basis for future research by evaluating the
potential direction of the recovery industry. This is achieved firstly by assessing the origins of
the directive and previous research surrounding the subject. The paper then describes the
current recovery infrastructure and practices in the UK, highlighting all the stakeholders
involved in the recovery industry. This paper also highlights the issues related to the
provision of takeback and the attainment of targets through two stages, namely the
implementation and management of takeback, and the use of new technology to achieve the
recovery targets. The paper concludes by identifying key aims for future research to support
the objectives of the implemented legislation and the financial stability of all stakeholders.